Garlic-Sauteed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a light olive oil sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink edges appear. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 4 cups fresh baby spinach, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Sauteed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic-Sauteed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Sauteed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic-Sauteed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Garlic-Sauteed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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